OpenStax-CNX module: m20158
1
To explain convection as a natural
phenomenon
∗
Siyavula Uploaders
This work is produced by OpenStax-CNX and licensed under the
†
Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0
1 NATURAL SCIENCES
2 Energy transfers and forces
3 EDUCATOR SECTION
4 Memorandum
Observations:
(i) The smoke rises.
(ii) The smoke rises.
(iii) The smoke rises.
Conclusion:
Hot air rises.
During the day the land heats up more rapidly than the sea. The warm air above the land rises. Cooler
air above the sea ows to the land to ll the place of the warm air. This is how sea winds originate.
At night the land cools down more rapidly than the sea. Therefore the air above the sea is warmer and
rises. Cooler air from above the land ows to the sea to take the place of the warmer air. This is how a
land-wind (oshore wind) originates.
5 LEANER SECTION
6 Content
6.1 ATIVITY: To explain convection as a natural phenomenon [LO 1.2, LO 1.3]
(b) Convection
Convection is the main way in which heat moves through liquids. Water is a poor conductor of heat,
but a kettle does manage to let water boil quickly. The reason is that liquids are able to move. Water rises
when it becomes warm. The colder water then sinks down to take the place of the warmer liquid that is
rising. The accompanying illustration shows how the circular movement, the convection current, distributes
the warmth through the liquid until all the water is hot enough to come to a boil (100 ◦ C boiling point for
water at sea level).
∗ Version
1.1: Mar 11, 2009 7:06 am -0500
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OpenStax-CNX module: m20158
2
Figure 1
Although air is a poor conductor of heat, it is possible to heat a room with the help of a heater. Take a
burning candle. Note the direction of the smoke while you
(i) hold the candle in an upright position ___________________________________
(ii) hold the candle at an angle ___________________________________________
(iii) Hold the candle upside-down _________________________________________
Have you noted your observations? What do you deduce from this?
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As warm air rises, convection also occurs in nature. Have you ever thought about the origins of wind?
Warm air rises and cold air moves to take its place.
Consider the principle of convection currents in air to help you distinguish between land and sea winds.
You could make a sketch to help explain your observations.
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(c) Radiation
The transfer of heat by means of conduction or convection requires a solid substance, a liquid or a gas.
There must be some substance to transfer heat energy. Such a transfer of energy through empty space is
possible through radiation. Heat energy from the sun moves through space and the earth's atmosphere and
heats any object that it reaches.
If you drive along any road where you can see ahead into the distance on a hot day, it often seems as if
there is water on the road. The hot tar of the road radiates heat. Using an electric heater to heat a room
in winter is an example of the use of radiation in an everyday situation.
6. Conversion of energy
Which kind of energy is used when a boy hits a tennis ball?
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OpenStax-CNX module: m20158
3
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What kind of energy does the moving tennis ball have?
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This has probably made you suspect that energy can be changed. When there is a change in energy from
one kind to another kind, we speak of the conversion of energy.
7 Assessment
The learner will be able to act condently on curiosity about natural phenomena,
and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientic, technological and environmental contexts.
Assessment Standard 1.2: We know this when the learner conducts investigations and collects data:
organises and uses apparatus/equipment or sources to gain and record information:
Assessment Standard 1.4: We know this when the learner evaluates data and communicates ndings:
generalises in terms of relevant aspects and describes how the data support the generalisation:
Learning Outcome 1:
http://cnx.org/content/m20158/1.1/